Argentina World Cup winner Papu Gomez asks lawyers to look into investigation prior to ban
Papu Gomez has instructed his lawyers to look into the investigation that led to the two-year ban from football.
Gomez was given the ban by FIFA for allegedly taking a banned substance.
The Athletic previously reported that the 35-year-old’s club Monza had confirmed the World Cup winner’s ban after “Terbutaline was found in the footballer’s biological samples.”
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However, Gomez has taken to social media to release a statement on the ongoing issue reaffirming his innocence and thanking those who have helped him this time.
The statement read: “I confirm that I received word from the Spanish anti-doping commission that my licence is suspended for a period of two years. I always not just rigorously respected all the rules, but also stood up as a strong defender of clean sport and sporting behaviour, condemning categorically any forms of doping.
“I never, nor do I intend to, relied on a banned practice. The presumed violation originates from the presence of Terbutaline in my system, which I accidentally ingested with a spoonful of cough syrup for my son, to alleviate his cough. It is important to specify that Terbutaline is allowed for professional athletes and in no way does it improve performance in football.
“Without getting into the situation, I have asked my lawyers to look into the suggestion the disciplinary case was not treated according to the norms. I finally wish to thank all those who showed me affection and support during these difficult moments of my professional life.”
Gomez went to the World Cup with Argentina, where he started in their first group match and the round of 16 win over Australia as they won the tournament for a third time.
The attacking midfielder has won 17 caps for Argentina having made his debut in 2017.
The Athletic has contacted the Argentine Football Association (AFA) for comment.
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